Countries of origin and local name
Ghana: Kokrodua, Mohole
Cote d'ivoire: Assamela
Cameroon: Ejen
Congo Republic: Ole pardo
Democratic Republic of Congo: Wahala, Bohala
Habitat
Afrormosia is a rare tree species found in West and Central Africa, including the countries of Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and the Congo states. The tree grows primarily in groups.
Tree description
Afrormosia is a large tree reaching heights of 30-50 m (98-164 ft). The straight and cylindrical trunk is 60-160 cm (2-5 ft) in diameter, and is clear of branches for up to 30 m (98 ft). The scale-like bark is fibrous with strong red marks.
Wood description
The sapwood, about 3 cm (1.2 in) thick, is a lightly-colored mixture of white, green, and yellow. The core wood is greenish-brown with a silky luster and often displays greenish-red stripes. Pores may be filled with tannin, which can form calcium marks.
| DURABILITY CLASS | I |
| RAW DENSITY | 0.75 g/cm3 |
| BENDING STRENGTH | 140 N/mm2 |
| COMPRESSION strength | 70 N/mm2 |
| E-Module | 12,500 N/mm2 |
| Volume dwindle | 9.8 % |
| Radial shrinkage | 3.5 % |
| Tangential shrinkage | 6.0 % |
Property and application
Afrormosia is a fine, heavy wood, harder even than teak (Tectona grandis), and is often used for decorative work. It possesses good physical properties and is highly resistant to damage and insect attack. It is a popular choice for veneers; note that for such applications the wood must be well-steamed and worked on while hot, and that cooled-off blocks must be reheated before resuming work. Afrormosia veneer can be used for high-quality parquets, panels, and furniture. If it is to be used outdoors, the wood should be treated with polyurethane; for indoor use, Nitrocellulose lacquer is the appropriate treatment.
How to use it
Very Good
Furniture, Flooring, Walls, decking, Paneling, Intarsia works, Cabinetmaking, Rotary cut veneer, Flat sawn veneer
Good
Musical instrument, Doors, Modeling
Usable
Construction wood, Staircases, Ship, rail & truck building, Weapons industry
Not Good
Plywood, Window frames, Laboratory furniture & fittings, Blind veneer